Maintaining the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill (FCSL) requires equipment that can operate across a range of terrain. Some areas of the landfill have slopes steeper than a 3:1 grade, while others have overhead clearance limitations that prevent larger mowing equipment from accessing them.
To help maintain these areas, SWACO has added an RC Mowers R-60 remote-controlled slope mower to its equipment fleet.
The R-60 is designed for steep slopes and difficult terrain. At the FCSL, SWACO staff use the mower on slopes steeper than a 3:1 grade, which are typically found across landfill cell sites, as well as in areas where overhead clearance limits access for larger mowing equipment.
The mower’s tracked undercarriage and low center of gravity allow it to operate on steep and uneven terrain. It has a 60-inch cutting width and can clear brush and saplings up to 1.5 inches in diameter, allowing staff to manage grass and heavier vegetation in areas that can be difficult to mow with conventional equipment.
The primary reason for adding a remote-controlled mower option to the fleet was employee safety. Mowing steep landfill slopes with conventional riding equipment can expose an operator to uneven terrain and the risk of equipment rollover. With the R-60, the operator can remain on stable ground while controlling the mower with a handheld remote.
The mower can be operated from up to 1,000 feet away. This allows staff to work on steep and difficult-to-access areas without having to operate the equipment directly on the slope.
The amount of terrain requiring regular vegetation maintenance has increased by about 30%, largely due to landfill buffer development over the past several years. The R-60 gives SWACO staff equipment suited to these newer buffer areas as well as existing slopes and locations with limited access.
Vegetation management is an important part of proper landfill operation and routine maintenance. Keeping vegetation under control provides staff with the access and visibility needed to inspect slopes and drainage structures, identify potential erosion, and address maintenance needs before they become larger issues. It also helps maintain the appearance of the landfill, which is visible to the public and surrounding community.
The R-60 is now part of SWACO’s mowing equipment used to maintain steep slopes and areas with limited equipment access. It allows staff to complete this work while remaining on stable ground, supporting both routine site maintenance and employee safety.